How to Concentrate the Mind

Answer:    I will share with you a very easy method to concentrate (fix) the mind.  Practice constant remembrance with your mind, repeating “Ram, Ram, Ram..” Do it in this manner –  “One Ram,  Two Ram, Three Ram, Four Ram …” but within your mind.  Neither say one, two, three, nor count with your fingers, nor by the help of the beads (mala).   Let both the Name and the counting be in the mind only.  Do it and see for yourself, it will not be possible to achieve this without engaging the mind.   If you are able to do this, then your mind will remain fixed, concentrated and still. 

It is a very simple method.  Repeat the name in the mind (i.e. silently) and count in the mind and thirdly, visualize the word Ram written in bright golden color with the eye of your mind.   Try it and see the result.  The mind will be unable to go anywhere else, and if the mind wanders, then this action will not take place.   This is solid point.  Brothers, do this and see.   The mind will very easily remain concentrated and engaged.   If you find it difficult, then this action will not take place.  Neither will you be able to repeat the Divine Name, nor count it, nor see it.   Thus by seeing the name “Ram” with the eyes of mind, hearing with the ears of mind and remembering with the tongue of mind, the mind will become concentrated and still.        

The second method is to practice constant remembrance  of one name with your tongue and another name with your mind simultaneously.  For example, practice “Hare Ram, Hare Krishna”  with your tongue and “Ram Ram ” within, with your mind.  Now see whether the mind engages or not.   It is definitely possible, therefore I am sharing with you.   The reason it is difficult, is because the mind is not in your control.  If you fix (concentrate) the mind, it will become engaged. 

The third method is to chant (kirtana) the tune in the mind itself.  The mind will become engaged and concentrated.  Do not sing aloud, i.e. not with the vocal chords.  Just chant inside the mind, and repeat the name of the Lord in the mind.   

The important fact to wipe out volatility of mind is to root out attachment and this attachment can be rooted out by serving others.   One must have the sentiments (feelings) that may others be served in any which way possible with the perishable worldly things.   If one develops attraction and attachment to the spiritual path,  in the imperishable, in the divine stories of God,  then love for God will take place.   There is immense benefit in developing attraction and attachment towards God and His Name,  Form, qualities, Divine Play (Lila) and stories etc.  If one serves, giving up selfishness and pride, then too attachment will be rooted out.    

Narayana !  Narayana !  Narayana !